Obituary: PAPA-DAKIS, GEORGE

George Andrew Papa-Dakis, 87, passed away Friday, April 8, 2011 in his beloved peach orchard in Bountiful, Utah. He was born July 31, 1923 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Andrew George Papa-Dakis and Mary Zolintakis. He grew up in Salt Lake City and attended West High School. He was forced to drop out of high school at 15 to support his family after the death of his father. He was stationed in England and France during World War II, serving in the Air Force. Upon his return from the war, he attended Utah State where he met the love of his life, Stella Matthews, his coocla. They were married 64 years. Together they raised five children. George taught school in the Salt Lake School District before retiring after 34 years. Education was so important to him. He continued his education by receiving his Master's Degree at the University of Utah. Dad loved his family, friends, cars, golf, animals and good food. Nothing brought him more joy than watching his grandkids play sports. His is survived by his sweetheart, Stella; his children, Craig, Dane, Andrea King (Craig), Jana Salvatori (Geno), and Jill Jackson (Rob); 13 grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, April 13, 2011 at the Orchard 1st Ward, 3707 South 800 West, Bountiful, Utah. A viewing will be held Tuesday evening from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Russon Brothers Bountiful Mortuary, 295 North Main and Wednesday morning 9:45-10:45 a.m. at the church prior to services. Interment-Lakeview Cemetery. Online guest book at www.russonmortuary.com. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the American Heart Association.